좌우
jwau
The Korean phrase for "left and right" is 좌우 (jwau).
좌우 is used to refer to the two opposite directions of left and right. It is often used in more formal, technical or idiomatic contexts, such as describing political spectrums (left and right wing) or physical lateral movement.
How do you pronounce it?
jwau
Did you know?
- Conversely, the native word for 'left' 왼쪽 is related to the word 외다, which means 'to twist' or 'to be crooked'. Historically, this reflects a bias against the left hand.
- In traditional Korean court etiquette, the 'left' 좌 position was often considered superior to the 'right' 우 position, which is the opposite of many Western traditions.
- While 좌우 refers to directions, the term 좌우하다 can be used as a verb meaning 'to influence' or 'to sway' someone's decision.
Examples in context
- 저기요, 올리버 교수실은 왼쪽으로 가면 되나요?Excuse me, should I go left to get to Professor Oliver's office?
- 학생회실은 오른쪽에 있습니다.The student council office is on the right side.
- 비밀번호는 왼쪽 아래 모니터에 있어요.The password is on the monitor on the bottom left.
- 좌우를 잘 살펴야 해요.jwa-u-reul jal sal-pyeo-ya hae-yo.You must look left and right carefully.
- 좌우 방향이 모두 바뀌었어요.jwa-u bang-hyang-i mo-du ba-kkwieot-eo-yo.Both left and right directions have changed.
- 좌우 균형이 아주 중요해요.jwa-u gyun-hyeong-i a-ju jung-yo-hae-yo.The balance of left and right is very important.
Example conversation
Hyunwoo and Minji are driving a car on a narrow road.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo길이 좁으니까 좌우를 잘 봐요.gil-i jop-eu-ni-kka jwa-u-reul jal bwa-yo.The road is narrow, so look left and right carefully.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 현우 씨. 조심할게요.ne, hyeon-u ssi. jo-sim-hal-ge-yo.Yes, Hyunwoo. I will be careful.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo차들이 좌우에서 오고 있어요.cha-deul-i jwa-u-e-seo o-go it-eo-yo.Cars are coming from both left and right.
- 민지 Min-ji알겠어요. 천천히 가요.al-get-eo-yo. cheon-cheon-hi ga-yo.I understand. Let's go slowly.
